Paw Prints
Volume 1, Issue 3 - September 15, 2020
IN THIS EDITION
- From the Principal's Desk
- Feature - Double Trouble
- Meet Our Staff
- College and Career Connections - Is It Really That Important Already?
- Instructional Tidbits - Why We MAP Test
- 2020-21 Yearbook Sales
- Looking Ahead - Dates to Remember
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK - A Great Start
When I first started my career in education, I coached football in addition to my teaching duties. For anyone who has played football (or for that matter any sport), they know that all coaches preach about the need for having a great start. The beginning of the school year is much like the first drive of the game for a football team. You want to set the right tempo, build momentum, and get off to a great start.
Last week, the students and staff at Clinton Middle School scored a touchdown on their first drive of the game. While dealing with the challenges presented by COVID-19 provided our students and staff with unfamiliarity, it did not take long before we settled into our new procedures. Our teachers did a great job of focusing on relationships, emphasizing procedures, and introducing content as our first week evolved. Our students demonstrated why they're second to none by doing all the little things, both inside and outside of the classroom, right!
While we are off to a great start, the key now becomes keeping the momentum as the year progresses. That is where our parents and community come into play! Here are a few suggestions as to how you can help us to keep the momentum going:
- Support our students! Currently, Clinton Middle School student-athletes are participating in Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Volleyball, and Football. Soon enough, other activities will also start. Find our schedules and join us as we cheer on our kids!
- Encourage your student to find their niche! In addition to the sports that are kicking off, we are also getting ready to roll out Wildcat Academy. Wildcat Academy is a collection of after school classes (virtual for the first nine weeks) where students can explore cooking with science, career and college readiness, coding, virtual book clubs, and a variety of other activities. Wildcat Academy also offers 1 to 1 and small group tutoring for students who might need a little extra help in a class.
- Call your student's teacher! Just as a great football team requires all eleven players being on the same page, our aim is for our teachers, staff, students, and parents to all pull together for the success of our students. Don't hesitate to reach out to a teacher for a conversation about how we can help your student. Don't be surprised when we call you to share the great things we see your child doing in class!
After one week, we feel really good about where the 2020-21 school year is headed! We already have one touchdown on the scoreboard and are ready for many more!
Go Wildcats!
Jeff Parks - Principal
FEATURE - Double Trouble
SCRunners.com is the premiere website for all things cross country and track and field for high school athletes in South Carolina. When they hand out accolades to student-athletes, people pay attention. Last week, SCRunners.com put the state on notice of the talent produced by Coach Lee Atkinson's Cross Country program when they named Elizabeth Reid and William Reid as their AAA Runners of the Week. Even more impressive is that Elizabeth and William are both just 8th graders. The fact that they share the same last name is not a coincidence. Elizabeth and William are twins! They also are both model student-athletes at Clinton Middle School.
Elizabeth and William both got into running in similar ways. "I did a race one summer for a cancer charity and I did well and decided to join the cross country team," said William. Elizabeth also participated in the same race, but added "I did 'Girls on the Run' in elementary school."
Their exploits on the cross country course gained attention from Coach Atkinson long before SCRunners.com took notice. "They each had a great season as 7th graders last season," said Coach Atkinson, "they were both all-county and they both were all-region. They both competed with their teammates at the state meet."
The competitive nature of Elizabeth and William is evident. William noted that one of the best parts of being a twin is that they push one another. While both agreed that William might be a little better runner, Elizabeth was quick to point out "I am better at school." Not surprisingly, William disagreed.
Not only do Elizabeth and William share a love of running, they also share favorites in some of their teachers. Both Elizabeth and William point to Mrs. Jacks, a 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher, as their favorite teacher. When asked why, both agreed that she makes class fun and also comes to cheer them on at their Cross Country meets.
Mrs. Jacks notices the talent of Elizabeth and William beyond the cross country course. "Elizabeth is incredibly smart, a beautiful artist, and one of the kindest students I've ever taught," said Mrs. Jacks. She continued, "William has the quickest wit. He always uses his wit to make others laugh, but never uses it to be the class clown." She also pointed out that one of the greatest qualities that they share is that "they don't compete against each other, but rather they compete against themselves."
If you are looking to catch Elizabeth and William on a cross country trail this spring, don't blink. These two are moving quick!
MEET OUR STAFF
Nancy Shealy - 6th Grade Math & Science
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
What is the worst gift you've ever received?
Socks - I don't like to wear shoes.
What is your favorite zoo animal?
Monkeys
What is your favorite holiday?
The Fourth of July
Why did you become a teacher?
I had great teachers that inspired me to give back.
Lindy McKinney - 6th Grade Math & Science
"Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
What is the worst gift you've ever received?
A lavender sweatshirt with kites appliqued on the front
What is your favorite zoo animal?
Giraffes
What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving
Why did you become a teacher?
I enjoy working with young people and I like the energy in a school. I also like that every day is different in a middle school.
Elizabeth Byce - 6th Grade ELA & Social Studies
"Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
What is the worst gift you've ever received?
A pair of socks that did not fit.
What is your favorite zoo animal?
Elephants
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I love working with kids. I feel that they are an integral part of society and I love the idea that I will have a hand in shaping their future. I live by the mantra of "Be who you needed when you were younger." I was blessed to have teachers along my school career that shaped who I am, so I wanted to do the same.
COLLEGE AND CAREER CONNECTIONS - Is It That Important Already?
Tara Mabry - Email her
Preparing for your student's future may sound easy, but it is much more than just going to your favorite college and/or getting a job that pays well. However, so often, this is what Career Development Facilitators hear when we ask students about their plans for the future. Therefore, it is important that we invest in the process early by giving students the opportunity to self-reflect and research possible careers. It is also important that they have the opportunity to learn and display skills that employers are looking for in the workplace.
We are excited to offer those opportunities for students at Clinton Middle School. For parents, we invite you to participate in your student's journey. If you are looking for a resource that can help you at home, please review A Parent's Guide to College and Career Readiness.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIDBITS - Why We MAP Test
Kyleigh Harrell - Email her
During our LEAP week, we administered MAP Growth tests in Reading and Mathematics to measure what your student knows and what they are ready to learn. As the school year progresses, teachers will use the MAP RIT scores to inform instruction, personalize learning, monitor growth, and set goals with and for your student.
Please check out the Parent's Guide to MAP Growth and reach out to your student’s teacher if you have any questions!
2020-21 Yearbook Sales
The 2020-21 yearbook will go on sale, beginning Monday September 21st through Friday October 2nd. Students may purchase a copy of the yearbook, which will be available in the spring, during their designated lunch period. The cost of the yearbook is $25. Students can pay in cash or a check made payable to "Clinton Middle School."
There is also a contest for students to design the cover of the yearbook. Submissions can either be electronic or paper. It must be submitted by November 1st to Mrs. Burrow and all submissions must include the school name and the year.
LOOKING AHEAD - Dates to Remember
Tuesday September 15th
- Girls Tennis vs. Woodruff - 5:00pm
Thursday September 17th
- Girls Tennis vs. Union County - 5:00pm
- Cross Country @ Palmetto - 5:30pm
Monday September 21st
- Volleyball @ Merriwether - 5:00pm
Tuesday September 22nd
- Volleyball vs. Westview - 5:00pm
- Girls Tennis @ Broome - 5:00pm
- Cross Country Home Meet - 5:30pm
Wednesday September 23rd
- Volleyball @ Northside - 5:00pm
- Football vs. Westview - 5:30pm
Thursday September 24th
- Girls Tennis - vs. Chapman - 5:00pm
Saturday September 26th
- Cross Country @ Connie Maxwell - 9:00am
Monday September 28th
- Volleyball @ Brewer - 5:00pm
Monday September 28th - Friday October 9th
- Scholastic Book Fair - Virtual Event
ABOUT US
Email: jeffreyparks@lcsd56g.com
Website: cms.lcsd56.com
Location: Clinton Middle School, 800 N Adair St, Clinton, SC, USA
Phone: (864) 833-0807
Facebook: facebook.com/Clinton-Middle-School
Twitter: @CMS_inSC